Synopsis
The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.
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Cast
- Denzel WhitakerJames Farmer Jr.
- Denzel WashingtonMelvin B. Tolson
- Nate ParkerHenry Lowe
- Jurnee SmollettSamantha Booke
- Forest WhitakerDr. James Farmer Sr.
- Kimberly ElisePearl Farmer
- Jermaine WilliamsHamilton Burgess
- Gina RaveraRuth Tolson
- John HeardSheriff Dozier
- Devyn A. TylerHelen Farmer
Recommendations
- 88
ReelViews
Ultimately an uplifting movie because it is about triumph. - 70
Newsweek
Wouldn't it have been more fascinating if, just once, they had to argue, as all debate teams must, against their own beliefs? That would have really tested these amazing kids' mettle--and the movie's too. - 70
Variety
Tailor-made for maximum inspirational, historical and educational impact, The Great Debaters shines a bright spotlight on a remarkable example of black achievement long forgotten in the sorry history of the Jim Crow South. - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
An earnest drama about the search for self-esteem and sense of responsibility among young black people that successfully relies on its fine actors. - 70
Los Angeles Times
Because it is so old-school Hollywood, with a weakness for standard moments and pat situations, The Great Debaters initially comes off as easily dismissible. Largely saving it from that fate is the presence and ability of Denzel Washington, who costars with Forest Whitaker and directs from Robert Eisele's script. - 63
Premiere
While The Great Debaters' intentions don't lead it to movie hell, this picture is far more diffuse, commonplace, and predictable than the surprisingly convincing "Fisher." - 63
USA Today
An enjoyable, rousing film, despite its formulaic quality. - 50
Village Voice
The film avoids potentially interesting frictions by always letting the team debate (and win) on the "correct" side of every issue--that which aligns with generally accepted modern liberal sympathies. The kids follow their party line all the way to the big game, a ridiculous, fallacy-riddled face-off against Harvard.
